Letters From Brian, Our previous Minister
Recent copies of the letters from our previous Minister Brian.
These are reproduced from the monthly Newsletter..
May 2017 From the Minister’s Ringing Ears
I listened to a conversation a few weeks ago which seemed to be on the merits of two leading supermarkets. The conversation was taking place on the next table in a tea shop. The conversation was of such volume and passion I began to wonder if the men worked for the two companies. Their tones were almost pleading that their choice of shopping should be awarded the highest regard by everyone present.
I remember a few years ago when someone was trying and succeeding to persuade us that we needed a bread maker. The couple were friends of ours, they didn’t work for Argos or any other electrical supplier but they really wanted us to have a bread maker. They were evangelical on the subject.
Over the years people have been desperate for me to own cars, holidays, DVD players, phones etc. because they had enjoyed such products. We have all received such treatment and many of us have probably given the hard sell to others because we have found something beneficial. More recently of course we have all been put or have put others to the sword on views about Brexit (no, I am not going further)
So here is my question “If we can be so evangelical over things like the vacuum cleaner, are we as evangelical in speaking for Christ”.
Oh yes, Christians may bang on about their Smartphone but how many of us ever talk about faith. In a Seminar at recent meeting the audience were asked, “How many people have you lead to faith this year. How many conversations on faith have you attempted to open”. Most of us came away knowing that we have a lot of work to do on the subject.
Jesus spoke easily, in any social situation and he found a willingness among his guests to engage in subjects that would cause near panic in today’s social gatherings. He often used questions and left people the space to think for themselves. People were fascinated by him. Christianity can have the same affect today but many people have to get used to the idea before they can really engage in thinking about the subject. It pays to advertise.
And after all if we can get excited about the Park and Ride surely we can get some real enthusiasm to talk about the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Best wishes
I remember a few years ago when someone was trying and succeeding to persuade us that we needed a bread maker. The couple were friends of ours, they didn’t work for Argos or any other electrical supplier but they really wanted us to have a bread maker. They were evangelical on the subject.
Over the years people have been desperate for me to own cars, holidays, DVD players, phones etc. because they had enjoyed such products. We have all received such treatment and many of us have probably given the hard sell to others because we have found something beneficial. More recently of course we have all been put or have put others to the sword on views about Brexit (no, I am not going further)
So here is my question “If we can be so evangelical over things like the vacuum cleaner, are we as evangelical in speaking for Christ”.
Oh yes, Christians may bang on about their Smartphone but how many of us ever talk about faith. In a Seminar at recent meeting the audience were asked, “How many people have you lead to faith this year. How many conversations on faith have you attempted to open”. Most of us came away knowing that we have a lot of work to do on the subject.
Jesus spoke easily, in any social situation and he found a willingness among his guests to engage in subjects that would cause near panic in today’s social gatherings. He often used questions and left people the space to think for themselves. People were fascinated by him. Christianity can have the same affect today but many people have to get used to the idea before they can really engage in thinking about the subject. It pays to advertise.
And after all if we can get excited about the Park and Ride surely we can get some real enthusiasm to talk about the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Best wishes
From Our Previous Minister, Brian
Christians may bang on about their Smartphone but how many of us ever talk about faith